Andy Dalton

Poor Andy Dalton just can't catch a break. On pace for the best season of his career and with the Bengals looking like possible Super Bowl contenders, Dalton broke his thumb in Week 14 against the Ste...

Dalton saw a steep drop in production, falling from the No. 3 fantasy QB in 2013 to 18th last season. Injuries certainly played a part, with A.J. Green, Marvin Jones, Tyler Eifert and Giovani Bernard missing 37 combined games (and limited in others). But the bigger problem was, as expected, less volume under new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, whose run-focused gameplan passed just 52.4 percent of the time (28th in NFL), compared to 57.1 percent under former OC Jay Gruden from 2011-2013. That led to a career-low attempts for Dalton, who lost 105 passes from 2013. And a career-high completion percentage couldn't make up for the loss in volume, either, as the Red Rifle's 20-yard completions dropped from 56 to 33, his 40-yard completions from 15 to seven. His 19 touchdowns were one fewer than he had as a rookie, ranking 17th in the league after he was third the year before with 33 scores. The emergence of running back Jeremy Hill ensures another season of run-first offense, but Dalton could be more productive if he improves his decision-making. His interception percentage has increased each year, peaking at 3.5 percent last season to leave him with an ugly 19:17 TD:INT ratio.

2014

Dalton was a breakout fantasy quarterback in 2013, reaching the 3,700-yard mark for the first time while increasing his passing touchdown total from 27 to 33, so he'll probably be drafted shortly after the obvious QB1 candidates in many leagues this year. There's a pretty good chance that the 2013 season might go down as the best of Dalton's career, however, especially in fantasy terms. Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden and his pass-happy offense have gone to Washington, leaving the more run-oriented Hue Jackson in charge of the Cincinnati playcalling. In his two seasons with the Raiders (2010-2011), Jackson's offenses averaged just 507.5 pass attempts per year, whereas Dalton attempted 586 last season. Given that Dalton increased his interception percentage in each of his three years and the Bengals spent a second-round pick on Jeremy Hill, Jackson will have reason to scale back the Cincinnati passing game in 2014, and Dalton (7.0 career YPA) probably doesn't have the playmaking skill necessary to remain in QB1 territory in 12-team leagues. With a strong running game and elite wideout in A.J. Green, however, Dalton has a high floor ideal as a fantasy backup.

2013

Dalton showed significant improvement from 2011 to 2012. His completion rate increased by more than four percentage points, helping the quarterback throw for nearly 300 more yards and seven extra touchdowns. Dalton's efficiency also improved from 6.6 to 6.9 YPA.
The Bengals also made an effort to upgrade their offense through the draft, adding tight end Tyler Eifert in the first round. He'll team with Jermaine Gresham to bolster Cincinnatiís attack over the middle of the field, hopefully taking pressure off of playmaker A.J. Green. In the second round, the Bengals drafted running back Giovani Bernard. The youngster should immediately see a significant role, giving the Bengals an instant upgrade over Benjarvus Green-Ellis. Remember, this is a team that averaged only 4.1 YPC in 2012. With greater efficiency in the running game, Dalton should have more opportunities to find Green downfield.
Plus, Dalton can give you something on the ground. He's not going to run for 50 yards a game, but the quarterback rushed for four touchdowns in 2012 and can provide an extra point or two each week with his legs.

2012

Dalton was everything the Bengals hoped he would be, finishing his rookie year with 3,398 yards (6.6 YPA), 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions passing while running for 152 yards and a touchdown. His poise greatly exceeded that of many veteran quarterbacks, and his fantasy value is pointed upward as the Bengals figure to give him more passing responsibilities in 2012. Wideout A.J. Green is the sort of talent who could become the best in the league, and heís backed up by the promising trio of Jordan Shipley and rookies Mohamed Sanu (third round) and Marvin Jones (fifth round), while the tight-end tandem of Jermaine Gresham and fourth-round pick Orson Charles is highly skilled. The loss of the below-average Cedric Benson at running back is not a concern, particularly with BenJarvus Green-Ellis around to replace him.

2011

On one hand, it's tough to see the former Mountain West star being an immediate hit in the NFL. On the other, he potentially has a favorable situation given Cincinnati's abundance of targets. Fourth overall pick A.J. Green is the most talented of the group, but Jerome Simpson, Andre Caldwell and Jordan Shipley were impressive in 2010, as well. And that's not even considering what 2010 first-round pick Jermaine Gresham might turn into at tight end. If Carson Palmer doesn't return, Dalton will have to beat out Bruce Gradkowski and Jordan Palmer for the starting job. Even if Dalton loses out to Gradkowski, the latter has only started eight games in the last two seasons, meaning that Dalton should keep him arm warm every week.